Are you facing issues with the brakes of your vehicle?
Here are brake system breakdown signs and advice from Oceanworks Berkeley.
According to research, 22% of automotive accidents are caused by brake system malfunction or failure. Therefore, when your car starts making strange noises, or puffing out weird smells, bring it to the Oceanworks Berkeley service specialists before the condition worsens. However, ignorance and delay will only add to your problems as it might result in complete brake system damage or the wearing out of significant parts of your vehicle. At Oceanworks Berkeley, our repair and service specialists are highly trained and experienced in dealing with all kinds of brake system problems with ease and efficiency.
Warning Signs of Car Brake Problems
The brake system of your vehicle plays a significant role in keeping you and your loved ones safe. This is why it is necessary to get your car’s brake system inspected and serviced every once in a while. Listed below are some of the signs that indicate an underlying brake system malfunction:
- Grinding, Squealing, or Squeaking Noises: From brake pads being worn out to gravel or rock being stuck in the caliper unit, if your vehicle is making unusual noises, there’s a high chance that the brake system might be failing.
- Brake Light On: Modern vehicles have smart electronic alerting systems to make you aware of system malfunctions. If the yellow or red brake indicator light is on your dashboard, it means that your car needs a brake inspection.
- Scraping, Vibration, and Wobbling When Applying Brakes: Vibration or shaking in the steering wheel indicates an uneven rotor (brake discs present inside the tires). Therefore, for synchronized functioning of your brake system and the wheels, getting your vehicle inspected as soon as possible is necessary.
- Spongy Brake Pedal: If you notice even the slightest softness in the resistance of the vehicle’s brake pedals. It is a sign that the brake system needs to be immediately serviced. The leading cause behind the weakening of your brake system could be moisture or air trapped inside the master cylinder.
- Burning Smell: If you are driving on a steep route and smell a sharp chemical-like odor, there is a high chance that your vehicle’s brakes have overheated. Therefore, it’s highly recommended to park your car and let the brakes cool down as failure to do so can permanently damage your brake system.
- Leaking Fluid: The brake fluid plays a vital role in maintaining the efficient movement of the components within your brake system. If the fluid is leaking from the master cylinder, your car won’t have enough power to force the brake pads to stop.
- Car Pulling to One Side When Applying Brakes: This is usually caused due to a caliper problem or a brake hose that has worn out. Unequal distribution of pressure on the brake calipers can result in unbalanced stopping.
Advice from the Oceanworks Berkeley Automotive Specialists
From their extensive year of experience, the service specialists at Oceanworks Berkeley recommend you to get your vehicle’s brake system checked once a year. If your car’s brake pads are too worn out, get them replaced before they cause irreparable damage to your vehicle. Next, you must check the brake fluid regularly. If the fluid is dark in color, it means that you need to get it flushed out as soon as possible.
You should also keep an eye on the dashboard for brake system warning signs. Also, keep your senses alert for any strange noises, smells, or even the slightest decline in the brake system’s performance. Most significantly, invest in a reliable and efficient brake system to ensure your vehicle’s long-lasting life.
Get a Brake System Specialist
The brake system of your car will wear out over time. However, delay and self-diagnoses will only add to your problems. Therefore, the moment you face automotive issues, bring your vehicle to our Oceanworks Berkeley service specialists.
